I recently took the top off my TJ for the first time. I bought it used in good condition, but noticed when the top came off that the ring around the tub where the hardtop sits has been slightly scratched, in some areas even through the paint. Not a problem with the hardtop on as they are completely concealed. However, with the top off they are exposed to the elements and I dont want them to go rusty on me. Down the road Ill probably herculine the whole tub, but I dont want to do that now.

I was thinking that it may be a good idea use a spray on bedliner on the tub rim exending out only where the hardtop will cover it when its on. I've got some weather stripping on my hardtop bottom so I don't think that leaking would be a problem. The bedliner seems like it would hold up a little better to hardtop swaps with this, plus cosmetically, it may look pretty good (nice black rim around the top of the tub). Any thoughts?

i did the roll on herculiner on mine and ran it all around the edge like is in lostwire's pics. i've had no problems with scratches, as i am dragging stuff across it and i don't have any problems with my soft top. i'd say go for it!!